Game 95 Preview: Red Sox at Astros

As we mentioned in the game previews yesterday, the harsh realities for the immediate future of this team become clearer each day. After a 6th straight loss, the Red Sox now have the worst record in the American League all by themselves and will turn to a starter tonight that was exiled to Pawtucket after a poor couple of months to start the season. Joe Kelly (2-5 5.67) has been down in Triple A for the past month with the goal to help him regain his past success and figure out some of his problems that have plagued the right-hander. In four starts in the minors, Kelly went 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA but in one of those starts he only pitched one inning because he was hit by a line drive on his forearm. It's not clear whether or not Kelly will remain in the rotation going forward, but with the long losing streak occurring and things becoming bleak, the whole roster is going to be different in the next 10 days.

The Astros will have Collin McHugh (10-5 4.35) on the mound tonight as they try to gain some ground on the Angels who now lead the AL West. McHugh has faced the Red Sox this season, but took the loss earlier this month. The Astros are attempting to win the series tonight which would be the first time they've done so against the Sox since coming over to the AL.

Here is tonight's Red Sox lineup:

Pedroia (2B)
Holt (3B)
Bogaerts (SS)
Ortiz (DH)
Ramirez (LF)
De Aza (CF)
Victorino (RF)
Napoli (1B)
Swihart (C)

Quick Hits:

- Dustin Pedroia is now 0/18 since returning from the DL
- Jose Altuve has a 14 game hitting streak at home
- If the Sox lose tonight, it will tie their longest losing streak of the season; 7 games in a row

Have a question for Mike during the game or whenever a baseball discussion is going on, reach out via Twitter: @86flynn